Our community

The Bengwenyama-ya-Maswazi community, whose name means “Origin of the Lion”, has lived for generations on the land that today forms the Bengwenyama PGM project in the Limpopo Province. With deep cultural roots and resilience forged through adversity, the community has maintained its connection to this land for more than a century.

In 1913, the Bengwenyama were forcibly removed from their fertile farm under the Natives Land Act. For decades, they fought tirelessly to reclaim their heritage, culminating in a successful land claim in 1996 and a landmark Constitutional Court ruling in 2010 that confirmed their right to benefit from the land’s mineral wealth.

The Bengwenyama community are not only participants but are also co-owners of the Bengwenyama PGM project.

A partnership for shared prosperity

Southern Palladium’s partnership with the Bengwenyama-ya-Maswazi community is central to our identity. The community holds a 30%¹ direct interest in the project, ensuring they share in its success. Our social commitments include:

¹The community’s total economic interest in the Company is 36.6% via a 30% direct holding and a further indirect holding of 6.3% through its 9% shareholding in SPD.

Inclusive governance

Engagement with the Royal Family, Traditional Council and elected representatives.

Employment and skills

Hiring and training community members as site staff and technical assistants, with roles ranging from geologist to site manager.

Local procurement

Sourcing key services such as security, fuel and sanitation through community tenders.

Community development

Investing in early childhood education, water supply and waste management, adopting local schools and daycare centres for infrastructure upgrades.

Transparency

Maintaining open channels, including regular community meetings, newsletters and a dedicated Facebook page.

“Ethical inclusion extends to fair community representation and project awareness.”

Through these initiatives, Southern Palladium is building shared value and supporting local economic development well beyond regulatory requirements. Our guiding principle is simple: development must respect history, preserve culture and create opportunity for future generations.